District 1/Schuylkill League wrestling: Despite injuries, Quakertown prepped to make a run toward SOL, District 1 supremacy

Ethan Mordaunt (left) is one of Jim Thorpe's top returnees. He was a District 11 Class 2A runnerup and Southeast Regional third-place finisher in 2018. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Panther Valley and Pennridge have new coaches, but the longest-running coach among The Morning Call’s coverage area in District 1 and the Schuylkill League has the most talent — even with a rash of injuries.

Quakertown’s Kurt Handel saw four wrestlers go down in a week with season-ending injuries. The Panthers, however, will still be a formidable foe in the Suburban One League’s Continental Division and in District 1.

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Faith Christian should have its strongest varsity team in its three-year existence under former Northwestern standout Ben Clymer.

Jim Thorpe expects to be much improved in Shawn Albert’s ninth season.

Outlook: The Olympians have the best turnout in Albert’s tenure, led by returning state qualifiers Mordaunt and Beckham. They will have a competitive lineup in the dual-meet season. Albert believes the team’s success will hinge on their hard work and determination.

LEHIGHTON

Head coach: Floyd Brown, third year (10 years overall with program; 109-68).

Outlook: Whiteman is a part of a trio of seniors who are leading an Indians team that should be in the hunt again for a District 11 team duals berth. There are a couple of lineup holes, and Brown is looking for a wrestler to end the program’s two-year drought in state qualifiers.

Outlook: Eidem should be a factor after missing last year’s postseason with an injury. Bachert, who spent the previous three years in charge of Lehighton’s junior high program, said this is a rebuilding year after significant graduation losses. However, he expects a few, including Eidem, to make a good run during the individual postseason.

TAMAQUA

Head coach: Jim McCabe, second year (14th year overall with program, 108-137).

Outlook: There are a good number of returnees, led by state qualifier Strouse. They will be tested with nonleague dates against Emmaus and at the Juniata Duals. Ultimately, McCabe is more concerned with technique becoming behavior instead of focusing on wins and losses.

Outlook: The Lions are in their third year as a varsity program under the former Northwestern standout. They will field a full lineup for a third year in a row, which is impressive. They also will be more talented than in previous years, and thus expect to be more competitive in the dual-meet season. They also have upgraded their schedule with visits to tournaments at Bethlehem Catholic and Wyoming Seminary.

Outlook: Lewis spent the previous five years as R.P. Norley’s assistant at Pennridge. He believes the Rams will be a scrappy bunch capable of success during the dual-meet campaign and the individual postseason.

Outlook: Handel lost four wrestlers in the first week of practice to season-ending injuries, including Stahl, a two-time state qualifier. Cope and DeFalco will be the leaders of what remains of a veteran group that didn’t graduate a starter. Despite McGann’s loss at 106, the Panthers, who shift from SOL American to the SOL Continental, will be strong through 132 pounds. McGuigan’s return from an injury last year could bolster the upper weights.

Outlook: Rozanski and Martin will captain a roster without a senior on it. The Indians did well last year despite forfeiting most of the upper weights during the dual season. Dunlap, Faraco, Petilicio and Cleary will help Adam fill some of those voids and give Upper Perk a fighting chance to make the District 1 team duals.